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The IFA was formed on 18 November 1880 by seven football clubs mostly in the Belfast area, as the organising body for the sport across all of Ireland. A meeting was called by Cliftonville of other football clubs that followed the rules set out by the Scottish Football Association (SFA). At that meeting, on 18 November of that year, seven clubs formed the IFA, making it the fourth oldest national football association in the world (after those of England, Scotland and Wales).
The IFA is the governing body for association football (soccer) in Northern Ireland. Here are some key points about the formation of the Irish Football Association:
Formation: The Irish Football Association was founded on November 18, 1880, at a meeting held in Queen’s Hotel, Belfast. Its formation was part of the early development of organized football in Ireland.
Early Structure: Initially, the IFA governed football throughout the entire island of Ireland. However, as football developed in both Northern Ireland and what is now the Republic of Ireland, separate football associations were established to represent each jurisdiction.
Home Nations: The IFA is one of the four football associations that make up the United Kingdom’s Home Nations, along with the Football Association (England), the Scottish Football Association, and the Football Association of Wales.
International Representation: The IFA is responsible for organizing international football for Northern Ireland. The Northern Ireland national football team, governed by the IFA, represents the country in international competitions.
Stadium: The IFA’s national stadium is Windsor Park in Belfast, which has been the venue for many important football matches, including those of the Northern Ireland national team.
It’s worth noting that, following the establishment of the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) in 1921 to represent the Republic of Ireland, the IFA’s jurisdiction was limited to Northern Ireland. The IFA has played a crucial role in the development and promotion of football in the region.